SSS ‘downgraded’ permanent, total injury

This is to express dismay over the inaction of Fernando Nicolas II on the disability benefits due my husband, Virgilio L. Alfonso, an SSS member (SS ID No. 02-006-0193-7) who sustained a work-related lumbar injury. The claim was filed in 2003.

Nicolas advised me to refer my claim to the Social Security System-Tarlac branch. But SSS Tarlac has erroneously ruled on the case, granting partial disability benefits. SSS Tarlac insists that my husband was entitled to partial disability (not permanent total disability) benefits only and for just eight months (January 2003-August 2003).

But the injury was a very serious one. It weakened my husband and slowed down his movements, rendering him unfit for hard work or employment as a machine shop operator, a job that involves the handling of iron and steel materials. The disability this kind of injury causes is permanent and total.

We have submitted about 500 documents to SSS Tarlac and the Medical Operation Department (MOD). The claim should be decided by the MOD or endorsed to the Employees Compensation Commission for policy review or appeal pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 626, as amended.

ERLINDA M. ALFONSO, surviving spouse of SSS member Virgilio L. Alfonso, San Miguel, Tarlac City